Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs
For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and acceptance and bring attention to issues we’re still facing. This June has been an especially turbulent one for so many of us; which makes coming together in solidarity more pertinent now than ever. LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence (SV) are one just group facing immense challenges right now.
LGBTQ+ individuals are often affected by SV at higher rates than straight and cisgender individuals. The devastating impacts SV may have on survivors can intersect with other forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by our community. It can feel disheartening to navigate all these barriers to seek LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally-competent support services.
If you’re an LGBTQ+ survivor who’s struggling, please remember these affirmations: You are valid, You are strong, You deserve support. We hope these resources help bring you hope and make your healing journey a little less daunting.
Service Providers
The Trevor Project
“The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.”
FORGE
“FORGE is the nation's leading transgender anti-violence organization, working to prevent and address the violence and trauma that lead to the many health disparities (including suicidality) that affect the trans/nonbinary population.”
LGBT National Help Center
The LGBT National Help Center provides “free and confidential telephone and internet peer-support information and local resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning callers throughout the United States.”
The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists
AGLP is “a community of psychiatrists that educates and advocates on LGBTQ+ mental health issues.”
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
“NQTTCN is a healing justice organization that works to transform mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”
Trans Lifeline
“Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.”
Desi LGBTQ Helpline
DeQH offers “free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information and resources for LGBTQ South Asian individuals, families and friends around the globe.”